Armrest on CF?

[billder99]

There are essentially 3 reasons for an armrest (something like the John Pearse type):

• Tone... get the playing arm off the top which tends to deaden the sound
• Comfort... add a softer curve to rest the forearm on (vs the usual fairly sharp edge of the guitar)
• Protect the finish from body oils and long-term rubbing off of finish

I see Tone and Comfort as good enough reasons to try one on my Rainsong WS-1000. Has anyone tried one on a CF guitar?

[guitararmy]

A carbon fiber armrest would be nice!

[steelvibe]

You mean an armrest like this?

All CF guitars made by German (I think) luthiers Leviora Gutiars- I like the fan fret action

[rwskaggs]

I recently added a spare John Pearse armrest to my Rainsong dread and can't think why I didn't do it years ago! It's great for all the reasons the OP wrote.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by steelvibe

You mean an armrest like this?

All CF guitars made by German (I think) luthiers Leviora Gutiars- I like the fan fret action

I'm guessing the OP is referring to an after market armrest as the built in armrests available from Levoria, Journey, or Taylor will not affect tone, nor will they protect the finish. As for the after market units like the one from John Pearse, these will add bulk instead of taking some of it away so they are not for everyone, but it would be great to see them available in a carbon fiber version for all the CF guitars out there

[ac]

Emerald Guitars also has built in armrests/bevels on at least two or more of their models.

The purpose. however, is not so much unhindered sound reproduction and finish protection as it is for ergonomics and protection of the players arm.

I've had an Emerald with and without the bevel and greatly prefer the comfort with the bevel built in.

[s2y]

Shouldn't it be easier to install the beveled arm rest on a CF guitar than a regular guitar? Love beveled edges.

[steelvibe]

Yeah. I realize that now Ted and agree that the OP is asking about an aftermarket device. It was still fun to post up the Leviora vid.

52y,yes. It should be "easier" as you mention since everything cf is molded. However, it has been my understanding that creating the molds for cf guitars is extremely pricey. It is amazing what Emerald is able to turn out as young as they are. Even RainSong which has been in the manufacturing of such instruments for 20 years now it is the one thing that is been a greater obstacle (simply creating new features). Blackbird is making some innovative stuff too. Most of the time ease loses out to expense.


Just keep posting your thoughts. One of my favorite guitars was born of hard-working and smart business people who listened to the voice of the people.

[mc1]

i put a john pearse armrest on my ca cargo. much more comfortable. also, because the cargo is so small, the added depth is also appreciated.

[sirwhale]

So how would the armrest be installed? I read on jp that they have an adhesive tape, doesn't sound too sturdy...

[s2y]

Originally Posted by steelvibe

52y,yes. It should be "easier" as you mention since everything cf is molded. However, it has been my understanding that creating the molds for cf guitars is extremely pricey. It is amazing what Emerald is able to turn out as young as they are. Even RainSong which has been in the manufacturing of such instruments for 20 years now it is the one thing that is been a greater obstacle (simply creating new features). Blackbird is making some innovative stuff too. Most of the time ease loses out to expense.

Makes sense. My taste for one offs has typically made carbon fiber a little cost prohibitive.

[mc1]

Originally Posted by sirwhale

So how would the armrest be installed? I read on jp that they have an adhesive tape, doesn't sound too sturdy...

it's sturdier than it sounds. mine's been on for years.

[HeavyDuty]

I would certainly be interested in a CF one sized to fit my Shorty. My tender little forearm would appreciate it!